The 50 acres of Chakaria forest is a hideout for criminals
September 29, 20243 Mins Read
Jumbangla Desk: The 'Reservepara' of Dulahazara, Chakriar, Cox's Bazar has come to the center of discussion after the solitary killing of Army Lieutenant Tanzim Charowa, who was brutalized in an anti-robbery operation. Over the years, hundreds of illegal settlements, also known as reserve paras, have been built within this protected forest area, which is covered with high and low dune hills and towering juniper trees. Being in a completely isolated environment with underdeveloped communication system, this protected forest area becomes a safe haven for armed bandits-robbers-terrorists. For two years, this reserve became a safe haven for hundreds of violent criminals.
Image: Kal Kantha
Officials of various classes and professions say that basically this reserve is the sanctuary of criminals. Frequent incidents like cutting of forest trees, theft of cattle, robbery of people's houses and shrimp zone are being conducted from here. Being a very secluded and secure hideout, even the law and order forces do not dare to conduct raids there easily. Therefore, more than a hundred armed bandits-robbers-terrorists became more and more reckless day by day and built a safe abode here.
However, after the solitary killing of army officer Tanzim Charowa, the joint forces have been conducting combing operations in the surrounding villages including Dumkhali, Katakhali and this reservepara within the reserved forest area of Dulahazara for a few days. Armed terrorists-robbers are being caught one after another. Currently, the members of the illegal settlements of these villages spend their days in fear. Criminals are hiding to avoid arrest.
The forest department and local environment conscious people said that more than five hundred illegal settlements have been built in a few years in about 50 acres of forest land in the reserved forest area of East Dumkhali under Dulahazara Forest Bit of Fansiakhali Range of Cox's Bazar North Forest Division. Not only that, this area of East Dumkhali is now also known as Reservepara. To say that the reserve district surrounded by high-low and hilly hills is now a town of fear for everyone.
On condition of anonymity, a madrasa teacher working in a local MPO-affiliated educational institution said, 'The Reserve Para was completely under the control of forest bandits-terrorists for several years. To say that there was no control of law and order forces here.
Criminals have continuously committed various crimes in this.'
Some innocent people of Reservepara said that they had to live in constant fear of forest bandits-terrorists. The innocent people of Reserve Para do not even want to go out of their houses after sunset. Those who go out for urgent needs, they have to pay an apology to the criminals.
Dulahazara Union Parishad Chairman Hasanul Islam Adar said, 'East Dumkhali Reservepara had become a town of fear for the peaceful people of Dulahazara. Despite being a protected forest area, the area was completely established as a sanctuary for terrorists and bandits. The district and upazila administration and the police have been told repeatedly but nothing has been done.
The UP chairman said, 'After the solitary killing of army officer Tanjim Charoar, the opportunity has come for the forest department to take complete control by razing the hideouts of criminals from their reserved forest lands. Through its implementation, about 50 acres of forest land can be restored and trees can be created there.'
Phansiakhali Range Officer Md. Mehraj Uddin said, "Preparations are underway to demolish the structures or the safe havens of criminals that were built by occupying protected forest land one by one."
Anwar Hossain, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Cox's Bazar North Forest Division said, 'Out of the five bits of the North Forest Division, the only one that we are worried about is the Dumkhali Reserve Para in Dulahazara Forest Bit. The staff of the forest department are trying their best to protect the forests and trees.
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"If the forest department takes the initiative, necessary assistance will be provided to restore protected forest areas, including clearing illegal settlements," said an officer of the law enforcement agency leading the joint force operation. Source: Voice of Time
